Gregory T. Lee

Gregory T. Lee served in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and obtained the rank of Lance Corporal. He served in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970.

Mr. Lee enlisted in the USMC on May 2, 1968. After completing basic training, he was deployed to Vietnam. He was assigned to Co K, 3rd Marine Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, FMF. His division fought in search and destroy missions against enemy forces in the Quang Nam Province. During Operation Oklahoma Hills, Mr. Lee was seriously injured in a mortar explosion. He suffered multiple wounds, including to both of his legs and to his right arm, resulting in amputation.

In January 1970, Mr. Lee moved to Peru, New York and was discharged from military service on March 31, 1970. Despite this discharge, he attempted to re-enlist in the Marine Corps, stating he “could do with one arm what any man could do with two arms.”

For his valor and service to our Nation, Mr. Lee earned numerous recognitions, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and the National Services Defense Medal.

Mr. Lee moved on and entered federal civilian employment at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, where he served in the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department from 1970 to 1991. In this role, he provided direct services to veterans, including driving them to receive medical care at the VA Hospital in Albany, New York.

After retirement, Mr. Lee organized and participated in a variety of programs and services for Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion Posts.

Since 2013, Mr. Lee has served as a volunteer for the Honor Flight in Plattsburgh. He has dedicated countless hours and energy to signing up veterans for flights, arranging sites to be visited in  Washington, D.C., and organizing the welcoming and return ceremonies for the veterans.

Due to his distinguished service record and commitment to helping the fellow veterans in his community, Mr. Lee is an exemplary person and a deserving honoree for the 2023 New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.